Biography
Started: She took up the sport in 2005 in Brazil. (Athlete, 27 Jul 2016)
Reason: She began playing table tennis after watching her brother practising the sport. (olimpiadatododia.com.br, 12 Dec 2019)
Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (reuters.com, 06 Aug 2024)
Awards: She was named Para Table Tennis Player of the Year for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2023 by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee. (cpb.org.br, 12 Dec 2018; Facebook profile, 09 Feb 2023; Instagram profile, 14 Dec 2023)
Additional Info: DUAL PARALYMPIAN-OLYMPIAN IN PARIS
She competed in non-Para table tennis at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. "I never thought that I would live and withstand so many challenges that life has imposed on me since my [first] two months of life, but today I can celebrate, sing and even cry and share with everyone who loves me and who follows my journey of becoming the first athlete in the history of Brazil being called to play the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I am hoping for gold at the Paralympics, but the Olympics do make me dream. I can barely believe this could happen. I have to work on my mindset to get it done. Very few athletes can do that, it is very hard for someone like me to reach the Olympics. I want to show that everyone with a handicap can do anything. I want to leave that image of me playing the Olympics one day. That could be a great image for anyone with a handicap, not only those in Brazil. Anything is possible, and I want to prove that." (reuters.com, 06 Aug 2024; edition.cnn.com, 09 Jun 2024; apnews.com, 03 Nov 2023)
BEATING HER IDOL
She idolises Polish table tennis player Natalia Partyka, who has competed in the sport at both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. "I was always inspired by Natalia Partyka for all she achieved in her career. I was inspired by her so much that I focused a lot to beat her, and last year [2023] I managed to do it. I continue to be inspired by her. I think she started this history of table tennis - she played Olympic and Paralympic table tennis together and that gives me great inspiration." (edition.cnn.com, 09 Jun 2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderFemale
Birth DateMarch 29, 1995
OccupationAthlete
Languages SpokenPortuguese, Spanish
CoachPaulo Molitor [national], BRA
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Games | ||||
| 2 | Singles - Class 10 | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | |
| 3 | Women's Team Class 9-10 | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | |
| 3 | Singles - Class 10 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | |
| 3 | Women's Team Class 6-10 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | |
| 5 | Singles - Class 10 | 2012 | London, GBR | |
| 5 | Women's Team Class 6-10 | 2012 | London, GBR | |
| World Championships | ||||
| 1 | Mixed Doubles Class 17 X | 2022 | Granada, ESP | |
| 1 | Women's Team Class 9-10 | 2017 | Bratislava, SVK | |
| 3 | Singles - Class 10 | 2022 | Granada, ESP | |
| 3 | Singles - Class 10 | 2014 | Beijing, CHN | |
| 3 | Women's Team Class 9-10 | 2014 | Beijing, CHN | |
| 5 | Singles - Class 10 | 2018 | Lasko, SLO | |
| 5 | Singles - Class 10 | 2010 | Gwangju, KOR | |
| 9 | Women's Open Standing | 2010 | Gwangju, KOR | |
